they paid their tax in full and on time legally, but now the state wants back taxes interest and penalties for five years. >> this notice was the first i heard of it. >> to brian overstreet it felt like a punch in the gut, compliments of california, a six-figure bill for back taxes. >> that is what is moat owes rage just about this situation. it is five-year look back and interest on money you had no idea you even owed. >> overstreet and hundreds like him got a letter from the state, due to a court ruling a 50% tax break for small business and startup investors was no longer available. anyone who claimed it in the last five years had to pay up. >> retroactivity is issue of fairness and credibility for california. >> even california's tax leaders say what the state is it doing is unfair, overreacting and overreaching, hoping to claw back some $120 million for cash-strapped california. >> problem right now we have what is the revenue is identified those folks up in sacramento will figure out how to spend it already. >> pro-business lawmakers are trying to rescind the letter, fearing high-tec